The Arnett Family History

What Does the Arnett Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Arnett, with roots in both England and Scotland, is derived from the Old English word ‘earngeat,’ which translates to great eagle or signifies battle. This surname exhibits various spelling forms, including Arnot, Arnet, Annetts, Ernot, Arnocht, Arnatt, and Arnott. In England, the Arnett surname is most prevalent in regions such as Yorkshire, Durham, Lancashire, Warwickshire, and the metropolitan area of London. Conversely, in Scotland, the name is notably found in the counties of Angus, Midlothian, and Lanarkshire, where a significant number of families bear the surname. In the United States, the Arnett name is particularly common in the Midwest and southern states, especially in Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, and to a lesser extent, California. Noteworthy individuals bearing the Arnett surname include Jon Arnett, a renowned professional football player; William E. Arnett, a Canadian television actor; Benjamin W. Arnett, a 19th-century educator and minister; and Peter G. Arnett, a journalist originally from New Zealand.